3 Stretches To Help Undo The Damage Caused By Sitting All Day

To counteract flab caused by too much sitting, simply lie back and put your feet up. Here are two moves and a stretch for firming, lifting, and shaping your rear end and thighs that employ this principle.

These lower-body toners use a stability ball and are done in a reclining position, so they're easier on your knees than squats. Keeping your legs elevated throughout each exercise also works your abs and increases circulation to energize your legs and reduce the risk of varicose veins. Do 2 or 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps of each move, 3 nonconsecutive days a week.

B. Rotate legs and ball to right, lowering right leg. Hold for a second, then rotate to left, raising right leg and lowering left. Hold and repeat. For more of a challenge, hold legs at a 45-degree angle to floor and rotate.

Lie on back with legs straight and heels on ball. Raise right leg off ball and grasp calf or thigh, pulling leg toward head until you feel a gentle stretch. Hold for 20 seconds and release. Repeat with left leg.

Quick tip: For extra insurance against varicose veins and swelling, lie with legs propped up on the ball for 5 to 10 minutes a day.